Open house events focus on proposed zoning changes

Post Bulletin staff reportDecember 5, 2018

A series of open houses on proposed Rochester zoning changes are set for Thursday.

The Rochester-Olmsted Planning Department is holding the events as public opportunities to learn more about the zoning districts and a chance to ask questions directly to department staff. Feedback on the proposed changes also will be gathered.

The planned changes follow the adoption of a new city comprehensive plan earlier this year. The plan, known as Planning 2 Succeed 2040, provides a vision for the city, which includes reducing the percentage of vehicle traffic entering downtown.

Traffic changes are being targeted through adding transportation options and increasing housing opportunities around downtown Rochester through Transit Oriented Development and infill/redevelopment policies.

The open houses, which also include a Dec. 18 option, will focus on these policies and related zoning districts, known as the “TOD” district and the “R2x” district.

The new zoning districts are intended to promote infill, redevelopment and densification development opportunities around the downtown area and would affect a section of properties located along Broadway Avenue, Second Street Southwest and Fourth Street South, as well as portions of East Side Pioneers, Historic Southwest, Kutzky Park, Lowertown, Slatterly Park and Sunnyside neighborhoods.